Editor, Daily News
California voters approved the use of medical marijuana. The federal government should allow this compassionate policy a chance to work. Marijuana is a relatively safe and effective medicine for stimulating appetite and relieving pain, and even as a recreational drug it is far less harmful and dangerous than alcohol. It's current illegal status is what causes gang and crime involvement, crowds our prisons with nonviolent pot users, and diverts law enforcement dollars and personnel away from real crime. The Libertarians have it right. The War On Drugs is a total failure, a waste of tax dollars, an assault on freedom, and the cause of most of our drug related problems. It's time to end it and try decriminalization of marijuana, legalization of other drugs, and treatment for those people who have drug abuse problems.

Paul M. Solomon
Tujunga